Former Central Goldfields CEO convicted

Former CEO Mark Johnston convicted on five charges, fined $26,000 and also ordered to pay $10,000 towards prosecution legal costs.

Former Central Goldfields Shire Council CEO Mark Johnston was convicted on 12 December of five charges of dishonestly obtaining for himself a financial advantage by deception, contrary to section 82 of the Crimes Act 1958.

At a hearing in Maryborough Magistrates Court, the prosecution submitted that, over a four year period between 2009 and 2013, Mr Johnston used his council-issued credit card for 112 transactions on expenses unrelated to council business. The total amount he dishonestly obtained for himself was $9,415.71.